Beautiful African Purses!

Wooden handled medium totes


Large hobo purses

On my quest to find cute and affordable summer fashion finds I am coming up! Here are beautiful handmade authentic African purses from Ghana. Not only are you getting a fabulous bag but you are doing a wonderful thing as well! Mission Resource International establishes businesses in Ghana to help individuals and lead them to Christ. The money made from these handbags help village women support themselves and their families.

The bags go for $20 and can be purchased here....

Do I feel another giveaway coming on?

Time is Ticking!

**UPDATE**

I apologize for the inconvenience but it has been brought to my attention that some registered users are having a problem leaving a comment in the comment sections...I have now tried to fix this. So if you are still having problems shoot me an email right away @ compulsivewriting@yahoo.com

Where are my Queens? The giveaway is simple just comment in the original "Giveaway" section to enter for your chance to win one of the two beautiful hair adornments. So enter today...

Debunking "Dread"loc Myths

Locs are dirty- Well unless you are on some kind of mission to be PigPen from the Peanuts Gallery, or not able to take regular baths & showers this simply is the #1 myth about having locs. Now the lady above in the picture? I can't speak f0r her, I don't know what she has going on but I can tell you that when meticulously maintained and cared for, locs are clean, and smell wonderful! Its all about how you care for your locs. Hey, I've seen people with chemical processes with the dirtiest hair ever! Sheesh, dandruff falling all over the place, hair smelling like somethings' burning, and too much product built up on the scalp. So its not the hairstyle, but the person.

You can't work in Corporate America with locs- Honey, this is also untrue; hey, I'm a living testimony to that. I hold a corporate daytime job, and I'm rocking locs all day long. In fact I receive many compliments from peers, and my employers. The fact is, locs have become so mainstream that unless you are in the military its pretty hard to find an employer who has a strong distaste for locs. It depends on the career field really. I will assure you its the person 9 times out of 10. Black women in particular have been fighting this battle for years, to wear our hair natural in any state in corporate america. So, the issue is much deeper than just wearing locs to work.

Locs aren't considered sexy- Look, I really feel bad for women who are scared to wear their hair in locs or any other natural hairstyle for fear of not being considered attractive or sexy. In fact, I have never felt more attractive and sexy since I began wearing this particular hairstyle. Every stage of the locing process forces you to accept you as you are. From the budding stage to the maturing process. I have felt beautiful at every level regardless of what someone else may have felt. I never thought I would feel this comfortable in my own skin...how do you feel Queens about this? I don't know how many men have stepped to me telling me how sexy I am and naturally beautiful. My husband adores my hair almost as much as me, sheesh, if he see me with a pair of scissors anywhere near my locs he almost has a heat attack. I have to constantly remind him that I am not my hair!

Only Black people can wear dreadlocs- Another myth. I have had a many associate other than African-American with locs, actually beautiful locs. While there is a division of who originated locs, one thing is for certain we aren't the only people who have discovered this empowering and regal hairstyle. While it may be easier for us as a people to loc, Asians, Caucasions, and Indians have been wearing locs for centuries. As for me, I am going to hang on to the faith that Solomon rocked them in biblical times. However, this does not discredit anyone elses' religion.

You have to shave your head when you don't want your locs anymore- This is not true, and one of the main reasons why most people won't loc in the first place. I am not going to lie, the process of loc removal is a long and tedious task. It requires a lot of patience and conditioner :) but it can be done. Don't worry if you lose a lot of hair while you are combing the dreadlocks out, this is hair that would have fallen out in the day-to-day hair removal cycle. The only reason you still have it is because you had dreadlocks and dreadlocks keep the hair all knotted together. However, wearing your hair loc'd is a commitment and if you aren't serious about wearing them then you may want to skip this hairstyle all together. It takes a great deal of confidence to pull locs off. As you will get a lot of stares, questions, comments, and unwanted opinions! (Trust me on that one). Still, its a journey worth taking if you take it. So, as the video I posted is suggesting it can be done, but if you are going to do, you may want to enlist some help.

People who sport locs are Rastas- Big up to all my Rastas! But, not all loc wearers follow this sect. I have also been asked if I am Muslim....I don't know where that one came from, but no I am not. Not all rastas are Muslims. People of all different backgrounds, races, religions, and cultures wear locs.


Loc Wearers are Weed Smokers

Not true either, again people locs are a lifestyle and religion for some; and for others merely a hairstyle. I don't think you have to indulge in recreational drugs to wear the hairstyle.

So this list could continue....but for lack of time I will close here. What other myths have you encountered? Lets debunk them here!

Artist Spotlight

We all need that one piece, or multiple accessories to make the outfit complete. Some key pieces which can pull together a ho-hum outfit and make it fa-bu-lous! Well the artist in our spotlight can do just that! Camille Peace of Peace Images is a jeweler who makes spectacular handmade jewelry which speaks to the soul. I stumbled upon this sister on Etsy.com where she sells her beautiful African inspired jewels. Here is our interview:

Me: Peace Queen! I want to thank you for taking time out to grant me this interview on your lovely art inspired jewelry. Can you tell me how long you have been making jewelry?

Camille: In Jan of 2008, I was wandering around a craft store with my fiancee, and stumbled upon the jewelry aisle. I saw pliers, cutters, charms, wooden beads, and my creative juices went crazy! I bought a few basic tools, went home and repaired my favorite pieces that had been outta commission for years. I felt SO empowered!! Then I thought.. why can't I make my own jewelry? I came from a mama who looooved her diamonds. She took me jewelry shopping constantly and taught me about links, textures, styles, prices. I am not into diamonds for various reasons, (aesthetic, political, social), but the knowledge she gave to me made quite an impression. I took what she taught me and applied it to my own style and by Apr 2008, I opened my store on etsy after spending a few months studying the craft.



Me: Did you ever make your own jewelry as a kid?

Camille: I never made jewelry as a kid.. I didn' t make much of anything as a kid. My mama bought me a ton of it, though :) Growing up in Southern California (San Diego), I had access to the amazing sterling silver artisans in Mexico. You could get beautiful things for CHEAP! I did not come from artistic parents, and it was not really promoted in our household. We always had access to supplies, it just wasn't seen as an option, or something I would put any energy into. It wasn't practical...

Me: From where do you draw your inspiration?

Camille: I draw my inspiration from my photography work; it teaches me about texture and visual appeal. I also find inspiration in architecture, recycled materials, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Angela Davis, beautiful kinky-headed Queens like me. I want to create things that make us feel beautiful; things that are more in line with what we find appealing... things that compliment our wide range of skin tones and styles. I also try to incorporate spiritual elements and stones that interact with our chakras. Kemet plays a role as does all of Mama Africa. I also love food... food stimulates my creative energy, as well. Conflict... something sad in the news, child soldiers, hunger, disease, lack of control. I am a pisces moon and rising. I feel EVERYTHING and I put it all into what I make.

Me: Do you find that you place your own style throughout your jewelry?

Camille: I create things that I would wear, or would WANT to find in a store, but never have.; And if I did, probably couldn't afford it (smile); and I think my jewelry does have a style to it.. I'm not quite sure how to define it yet, but the universe will tell me when I'm ready for it.

Me: Is there a particular metal or stone you prefer to work with?

Camille: When I first started making jewelry, I used a lot of coconut and sea shell; You can tell I was raised in a beach town....now I am lovin' brass, and i've always preferred silver over gold. I have been using amethysts for their calming properties.. the recession has a lot of us on edge.

Me: Do you have a storefront?

Camille: For now, I only sell my things online. Http://peaceimages.etsy.com, website: http://www.thepeaceimages.com ... For those of you in the St. Louis area, you're welcomed to come by my spot for viewings (smile) I hope to be in some boutiques in the next few months. As the weather warms up, so shall I pound the pavement (smile) I have associates and friends losing jobs everyday, it seems. I think 2009 is showing us that we need to have a side hustle to help pick up the slack. I'm blessed to have a fiancee who challenges me, and motivates me to be better. That sounds corny, but it is true. I am very much influenced by the people I keep around me, and I chill with only a few...

Sisterloc Jewelry

I really appreciate your support. It humbles me and motivates me to keep studying, keep challenging myself and keep doing what I'm doing. I love my African (American) culture. When I first went natural over 5 years ago, my entire style changed. It was difficult to find jewelry and clothing that helped me accessorize my new lifestyle. I didn't like that feeling. I'm so honored to be able to create art using ankhs and symbols that are important to US, and I hope you feel beautiful when you wear them.

Here are more pieces from the artists' collection, make sure you go to Http://peaceimages.etsy.com to order and also custom order jewelry!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week!

This weeks loc'd beauty of the week is none other than the uber sexy and hottest Soca entertainer right now, Fay Ann Lyons. Faye-Ann Lyons was born in 1980 in Point Fortin, Trinidad. She began her singing career back in 2000, and is currently with the Invasion band.



Her merits include winning the Road March title in 2003 in Trinidad and Tobago for the hit song "Display". Display was the most played song during the carnival of 2003 in Trinidad and Tobago. She is also the third female in history to achieve this honor of winning the Road March title in Trinidad and Tobago.

Faye is the wife of the Hot Soca artist Bungi Garlin and the daughter of Soca ledgend “SuperBlue.” The family welcomed a baby girl on February 28th, 2009.

Awww I'm Humbled!

Sister Enchantress passed this beautiful award on to me and I am humbled and thankful! Thank you sister with the sweet spirit and HANDSOME son, check her out here! So, I am supposed to list the 7 things I love, and pass this amazing award along. So lets go:

1. God
2. Mi Familia
3. Music
4. Writing
5. Desperate Housewives & Grey's Anatomy
6. Making jewelry
7. Meditation & Spiritual Counseling

Avocado Oil

Don't think guacamole when thinking avocado oil, it is light in color and fragrance. Avocado oil is truly exotic.Pure avocado oil penetrates the skin's epidermis quickly to nourish and revitalize all skin types.

RICH in Vitamins A, C & E. Avocado oil is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, lecithin, and has inbuilt antioxidant properties which help to preserve the oil naturally.

It helps reduce the signs of aging by promoting elasticity and moisturizing the complexion. Even the most sensitive skin will feel supple and glow with the richness of Organic Avocado Oil. There is no greasy residue, just softer, smoother, more radiant skin.

Of course, I had the urge to take my avocado oil and mix in a little with my Shea butter to make a luxurious night cream. Then I mixed the rest with essential oils of lemongrass, tangerine, and lime and massaged it into my scalp and locs. The smell is wonderful. My little girl kept climbing up on me to deeply inhale my hair :)

So, go to your local health food store and pick up a bottle of avocado oil and have a ball!

Preserve your Sexy!

It is no secret that our skin has great elasticity and does not age as quickly as other races. That is one luxury we have as people of color. One way to ensure you will have that baby, butter soft skin for years to come is to utilize organic Shea butter in your skincare regime.

You want to make sure you are using organic Shea butter. Pure unadulterated Shea butter from ethnic and African markets. This Shea butter contains no extra fillers, parabens, or toxic chemicals. It comes white and creamy. However, I have had some Shea butter which was quite firm. Due to the recent popularity of Shea butter here in the West mainstream cosmetic companies are selling all sort of products with Shea butter in it. But unless it states its 100% organic and pure, it is not the full entire strength.

To even uneven skin tone:

You can enlist two very simple ingredients. One which may be in your pantry already, olive oil and organic Shea butter. Whip up a batch of extra virgin olive oil with a large chunk of organic Shea butter melted into it. Use this all over your skin everyday (twice if you want to) and it will gradually even your skin.

Loc'd Beauty of the Week!

This week's Beauty of the Week is, Jeanille Bonterre, an MTV Tempo Host. Born and raised in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Jeanille Bonterre has been a popular face and voice of Trinidad and Tobago's broadcasting industry for years. VJ Jeanille Bonterre brings you culture in its truest form and music fi mek yuh wind up yuh waistline. Often described as the quintessential "Caribbean Queen,"With in-depth interviews in exciting locales, she makes viewers feel right at home with the finest in Caribbean tunes, entertainment and culture.

What we love about Jeanille, is how she serves us her Queendom with mixes of island, Rasta, and classy flavors mixed together. Her realness, and peaceful spirit makes her this weeks' Beauty of the Week!

Loc'd Barbies It is!

Queens due to the overwhelming response for the Loc'd Barbie, I will be selling them in the month of May! There will also be a Loc'd Barbie Giveaway, so you will just have to frequent often and stay tuned!

I want to thank everyone who voted as these Barbies are beautiful, and indeed unique just like us. So again, thank you and stay tuned!

Giveaway Results!

Congratulations goes out to,

Evangpate

She is this winner of the Tomoka's Twists hair tie giveaway. As the owner and operator of Tomoka's Twists wrote last night in the comments, she is going to give away both beautiful hair twists to the winner since there was maximum participation!

Evangpate, please email me your information, and shipping address to claim your prize. I want to thank everyone again for their participation, visiting, and being an active member of On the Road to Queendom!

*Selection based on a random drawing*

Giveaway & Poll Ends Tonight!

Queens don't forget to vote on the side your voice counts. When I changed my website background I lost about 11 votes. So there are an additional 9 votes for, Yes I want a loc'd Barbie, and 1 each for maybe, and definitely not.

Also, the end result means they will be on sale here on my site, and there WILL be a Loc'd Barbie giveaway soon! You must be a On the Road to Queendom subscriber, and faithful reader. I will be asking a question or two!

The Tomoka's Twist giveaway is tonight. Name randomly drawn from the hat. Results will appear tomorrow on the site! Stay tuned.

It pays to be an OTRTQ reader!

Results of ACV Rinse

So I did the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse and I see amazing results. Although, you can't tell from the above photo (my dear hubby is not a photog). Anyway, what resulted was shiny, lightweight, lint free, and squeaky clean locs. Seriously, I thought my locs were destined to be hard, and scratchy, totally not a joy to nuzzle up against. Hmph, honey these locs long for my hubby to run his hands through them ;)

I placed a large bowl in the kitchen sink and had DH to pour half the bottle over my head with my locs inside the bowl. Then with the excess ACV I poured it back over my head. Usually you're supposed to pile your locs on the top of your head and don a cap. However, there was no way this hair was going in any bag. Oh well, anyway I had to endure hanging my head over the sink for about 6 mins., I piled the hair inside of a Walmart bag, and towel, and attempted to walk around for about another 20 minutes.

The apple cider vinegar stinks! Oh my, the smell is quite overpowering. It took at least five rinses to get it to rinse clear. Still, I had a faint smell. But, today they have no smell, and I am rocking these locs!

CALLING FOR SUBMISSIONS

Whats up Queens? I pray that your Humpday is going well!

I am calling for my newly loc'd divas (afros, and shaved heads may also enter), the short haired beauties. I would like to feature the one selected for On the Road to Queendom's Beauty of the Week!

To be considered you must currently be on your way to Queendom, with hair no longer than 4 inches. I want at least 3 photos of the following:

- Upclose
- Full Body
- One shot of you giving your style, what makes you unique.

Please send a 1 paragraph description of who you are, where you come from, and what makes you a Queen. All submissions must be in no later than Sunday, April 26, 2009 for consideration.

Send all submissions to compulsivewriting@yahoo.com!

Good Luck!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Did you know that regularly rinsing your locs with apple cider vinegar and even regular vinegar is good for your hair? Don't be shocked...seriously. Yes, I know vinegar smells, but the smell doesn't stay in your hair. Let me explain...

Using apple-cider vinegar to clean hair is an all-natural way to eliminate shampoo build-up and toxins in your hair also to remove excess build up of shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. The apple cider vinegar can leave your locs softer, lift dirt, dandruff, and make them shiny. I thought that would bring a smile to your face :) How many of us would like shinier locs? The apple's malic acid acts as an emollient and defoliant.

Well this weekend, possibly sooner I am going to do my vinegar rinse. So I will post before and after photos of the result. Honsetly I haven't rinsed my locs in so long...my hair will be overjoyed once this is done. I am going to allow the vinegar to remain in my hair for a little while. Then wash it out. I can't wait to see the results!

Beauty of the Week!

This weeks beauty hails from Houston, Texas. She is Kae Bruney but known as Ms B, or even Ms Kae. She's the author and owner of Ms B Speaks where she shares her witty gossip, and latest findings with the world. She is a part time columnist, media maven, marketing guru and on air talent. This well rounded Queen is also, the co-owner of Houston’s Downtown Diva eXchange – a women’s social and networking group dedicated to staying in style and sharing blessings.


This loc'd beauty is also an animal lover; where she is a fledgling animal behaviorist and animal rescue foster. The proprietor of a local raw-dog food co-op to help other animal lovers to keep their pets healthy and veterinary Independent. Her most important claim to fame to date is being a mom to her awesome 11 year old son.


As if she had any time, this darling diva is a dedicated sista to the movement of the people: doing for the people, helping the people, educating the people and loving the people.

She finds the time and energy to volunteer at numerous activities and foundations. When asked what her outlook on life is she stated the following; "I believe that our commitment to service is what truly defines our greatness and without it, we are but takers benefiting from that which others have given."

Now thats what I call Beauty & Brains!

More Beautiful Barbies!

Look I'm sorry, but whenever we have beauty reflected in any art form I just have to share it. These magnificent and beautiful natural haired barbies are sold at this online Barbie collectors store. I am still waiting on responses in my polls as the results will determine whether I will sale the loc'd Barbies on my website or not. And who knows? Quite possibly a giveaway in the very near future! It pays to be a faithful reader and subscriber to On the Road to Queendom!

Stay tuned!

Reader Question

Hello Queens, below is a question that a reader sent me in all sincerity. I am publishing it because I have been approached for number of years with the same question so let me answer it the best I can, truthfully (the only way):

Q: Hello, I have a question that I have wanted to ask for years, but didn't have the courage to ask anyone for fear that they may not be truthful or may become affended. I trulymean no disrespect in the question that I'm about to ask. I too have locs and I have had them since 2/14/1997, technically before then, but I came out in 1997. That I would need to explain, but I would like to pose my question before I lose my train of thought.

I would like to know, truthfully what it is that is added to the hair to sustain the locs and keep them with that thick look from root to end no matter how long they are. I don't want to be lied to because I know how hair grows and to keep that fullness of a twist from root to end is virtually impossible without some sort of added hair, twine, or other element which may or may not have grown natually out of the scalp. Especially if these are uncultured locs in which you just let them go and they are unmainted. I work in Baltimore Md. and I see about 60 percent of the people of color there who tend to wear their in locs but whom have started them with a substance not of their ow entirely. Their are guys who will have 1 inch hair on Monday and then 12 inch hair on Thursday and it looks so very natural, but I KNOW BETTER!!!! Please tell me what it that in their hair. I do have locs and I have always had long hair since I was a child, so when I started my locs, I started them with the length that I already had. I didn't get the fullness from the scalp that i truly want, but I have been blessed enough to get the length over and over again. I say over and over again, because I have cut it numerous of times and by the grace of God, it always grew back to the length from which I had cut it. I always cut it in the spring and it grows right backe summer and I start all over again. I will not be doing that anymore, because I am going to be 50 years old this year and I don't want to keep taking away what God has blessed me with. I also have very fine wavy hair and that does'nt allow my roots to become truly bushy or kinky which I woud like. I should'nt keep asking for something that God has not given me, because so many of us do that on a daily basis and don't even see what is in front of us, and with me, I have realized that God has blessed me with a full head of long hair since I was a girl and here I am still asking the question about the thickness from the root. Well I have something that others would probably steal to get and that's the length, no matter how many times I cut, God always gives it back. But I wont do it anymore. Just please tell me what it is that they are adding to the hair. I pose this question to you because you seem to have the same texture and look of the hair in question that I see everyday for over ten years now not saying that it is but that's the reason that I'm asking you the question, because only you know what you have. I mean this in no direspectful way so please don't take it this way. God Bless You

A: Hello, name withheld out of respect, thank you so much for you question and I will be happy to answer you. You have no reason to think I will take the question the wrong way because hey at least you are asking and not making assumptions right? Well I have had my dreadlocks for over 7 1/2 years. I started with just an inch of hair, just enough to actually twist; which stylist call coils. I had no problem starting off with little to no hair, as I wanted to experience "me" throughout the 5 stages of dreads which are:

• Coils
• Budding
• Teen or Tween
• Mature
• Beyond Maturity
  

For me it was all about getting to know "me." Having been wearing relaxers, perms, and weaves for the majority of my life this was a very important process. During the early stages of my dreads I was like most people, admiring, wishing, and wanting them to be long and beautiful. I was very tempted to gain length at all costs which you are referring to. But, no way was I going to get, "caught out there." That would just defeat the purpose of getting to "love, and accept" me as I naturally am. However, I do know the different methods that people are running to, just to accept temporary length. The methods used are wrapping the root of the hair with; yarn (mohair), or kinky textured hair which matches the persons hair. Again this method is for people who want the length, and fullness that they may not be able to gain on their own, or because they aren't patient enough to grow it.

So, this is what you are most likely seeing on those that have 1' one day, and 12 in' another! However, for me? I am 100% all natural, thankfully to the women on my mother's side of the family. My grandmother, mother, and all of my aunts have beautiful hair! My mothers' texture is fine and wavy, she has been wanting locs for years, but her hair isn't kinky enough to loc, and she doesn't have the patience to allow it too. So, thanks to my father for passing on that good African kinky texture for fullness, and hair that will loc. I have the best of both worlds, kinky for locing and good genes from mom for the length.

So again, as with anything everyone has different hair textures due to genes; my hair grows very thick, and bushy, and yours as you have mentioned will grow long, but not as thick. Its just in the genes. Also, with all due respect keep in mind also, that age does and can make a difference. Our hair growth slows down with age, so I may not have such thick and bushy hair in the future (I hope this isn't the case at all) but I have seen it too many times.

As I have blogged about before, diet is a key factor in the health of hair. Plenty of water, and vitamins are important for the growth of hair. I take vitamins on the daily, drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day.

We all have to embrace what we have and build from there. So thanks again for your question, I hope I have answered it, and I do hope you continue to visit the site!

Happy Locing!

Beautiful Barbie!

These lovely barbie dolls are the creations of an eBay seller by who goes by the name Tabolach, you can find her doll creations here.

However, the dolls are not sold all of the time, when I reached out to her today, she told me that some African-American dolls will be put up for auction some time next week. I did not get a definite date or time, so I will continue to check back often and keep you up to date to let you know when the dolls will be available if you would like one.

Also, since I am probably one of the most impatient people you will ever meet, I plan on taking up the craft of re rooting doll hair, repainting and making them over. Why will I go through all of this just to gain a doll of my own likeness? Because I have a 2 year old daughter, and I want her to be able to play with dolls who look like her mother, other women around her, and finally her. Will I keep all of the goodness to myself? No....I am going to see how it goes, and if the dolls come out great, then I will sale them through here.

First I would like to know from you my readers if you would be at all interested in a natural hair, and dreadlocked barbie doll? Please vote on the left hand side!!

Giveaway!

Every Queen needs adornments to enhance their crown, so this weeks' giveaway includes your choice of one of the following:

* DNatural Tomoka's Twists

or a

* Mahogany Hair Tie

This giveaway includes your choice of one of the following:

• DNatural Tomoka's Twists
  
• Mahogany Hair Tie

The earrings featured are available for purchase, but will not be included in the contest.

To enter the contest, visit Tomoka's Twists check out the items, come back to the blog and leave a comment here tell us your favorite item.

Just by leaving a comment, you will be automatically entered. The contest runs through April, 19, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. One random winner will be selected from all the comments to receive all the items.

Please only enter once and leave your email address in the appropriate spot so that we can contact you.

Make sure if you win you take a picture of your beautiful hair with the adornment in it and send to me!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

Lalah Hathaway!

The loc'd beauty is the daughter of the late great, Donny Hathaway and quite the accomplished jazz singer in her own right. The sultry voiced beauty has an overpowering sexiness, and sultriness about her which her locs only add too. Out with her fifth studio album (Stax Records/Concord Music Group) SELF PORTRAIT. Lalah's album is the embodiment of soul. She is singing songs of testament, and gives us all a sneak peek of the woman she is today.

Corkscrew Hairstyle

Hi everyone, this weekend I tried a new hairstyle. I usually wear my locs straight, but I wanted some type of volume to my hair. So I attempted the corkscrew hairstyle. It turned out pretty cute, but the corkscrews are small, because I used the really skinny pipecleaners like the ones children use in arts & crafts. They were 12' in length, but real tiny. So here is the info below:

I started at the nape of the neck. I spritzed each section with water, and started to rod the hair from the end to the top. I had to bend the rods at the end to make sure they wouldn't poke or scratch me. This was very time consuming and tedious!

This is how my whole head looked with the pipe cleaners in it. Lawd, I couldn't go anywhere cuz honey my hair was really huge! LOL



I slept with the rods in my hair, and the next day I just took them down, which took forever as well. Next time I am going to try and find some large bendable pipe cleaners. Overall I am pleased with the results the hairstyle is mega cute!

Celebrity Spotlight:

The absolutely beautiful and multi-talented actress T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh did me the honor of granting me an interview. Where I got the chance to ask her questions all about her gorgeous natural hair and beauty. I remember first seeing her on "In Living Color," where at the end of the show she was there dancing and having fun with the cast in all her natural glory! Then later as Raven Simone's mother on the hit Nickelodeon show, "That's So Raven." She wore her hair in all different natural styles, mostly the twists. She exuded confidence then, as she does now. In this interview she is candid and frank, read below....enjoy!

First I just want to say thank you! It is so nice to finally get a chance to interview you; I have admired your beautiful hair for years. Thank you much.

1. Approximately what is the current length of your hair, and what style do you predominately style it in for day to day wear? I actually just cut my hair last week, so it’s not quite shoulder length. Recently, I’ve been wearing it braided flat to my head, then out for a few days before I wash it again.

2. What is your maintenance regime? Honestly, I’ve been neglecting my hair recently while I do lots of grunge work around my house and yard. J But now I’m getting back on track, starting with a fresh cut during the new moon (to encourage growth), and a deep conditioning and message. When I’m good - I massage my scalp and lightly oil my scalp and hair every day; wash, condition, and braid my hair every week; deep condition it once or twice a month; and trim it when needed during the new moon.

3. What products work for you and why? My current favorites are anything by Heavenly Healing and Niyat because they are all natural products that are good for skin and hair. One of my hair rules is that if I wouldn’t put it on my face, I won't put it on my hair.

4. How hard has it been to wear natural hair in the entertainment industry, and has it prevented you from obtaining acting jobs? Are you kidding me? Luckily, my first television series was one in which I wore lots of wigs and it didn’t matter to the show how my real hair was because you only saw it when we were all doing our own thing. I’m sure I’ve missed a lot of work because of my hair (more than one casting director has told me so) – but obviously not enough to make me run out and slap some lye on my head.

5. Who has instilled that great sense of self-esteem and pride that you embody? Wow. That great sense of self-esteem and pride is truly a daily effort on my part. I was raised by grandparents who did not value the nappy head as I do, so I’m thinking this sense of self must have come from genetic memory. It was fueled though by my first trip to Africa where I saw not only the Black people who looked like me and everybody I knew, but those who had straightened their hair trying to look like us (because they didn't realize that we were trying to look like the white people who made us think there was something wrong with how we looked in the first place).

6. Have you always worn your hair naturally? Please. I sat right in front of that hot combed kitchen stove, dreading singed ears like most girls of my generation. I didn’t get a perm until college and I didn’t keep long after that. It’s been natural (with two unfortunate exceptions that I detail in my book) for more than twenty years.

7. How do you care for your skin as well? When I’m good, I wash with warm water, rinse with cool or cold, tone (my face) and then moisturize and apply sun block. I also have a spa scrub at least once a year – but I mean to do it once a quarter. I also have a paraffin wax tub for my hands and feet. I don't use it as often as I thought I would when I bought it.

8. What advice do you have for our readers in regards to natural hair care? If you wouldn’t put it on your face, don’t put it on your scalp or hair. If you’re new to being natural, have patience. Treat your true hair like a new love interest. Take time to get to know your hair - respectfully and with kindness. With a bit of effort you’ll probably find that you’re a great match. Any whatever else you do, visit my website, www.tkeyah.com and order an autographed copy of my book, Natural Woman / Natural Hair: A Hair Journey, with Simple, Step-by-Step Instructions for Taking Care of Your Natural Hair. :)

Thank you; it has been truly an honor! You’re very welcome.

Please visit her website to get a copy of her book, Natural Hair: A Hair Journey.